We had just endured a ridiculously busy couple of months, so Brent and I decided to take a weekend away from it all, in a charming and historical little town about 90 minutes away. We figured on some romance, eating out, walking the square; also some talking, dreaming and planning, bouncing ideas and motives off each other.
What a great time. We sampled local Italian fare and barbecue, got insider advice from the friendly hotel staff about where to find the best Mexican food, toured a couple of museums, and drove around scoping out some bicycle routes for future reference. We took walks, wandering off the road occasionally to explore a rock formation or a crumbling abandoned building. We listened to each other’s professional concerns and offered encouragement and counsel. A few plans, and a lot of bonding, resulted.
But do you know the best, most relaxing thing about the weekend? I had packed a book, and Brent bought one at a book shop on the courthouse square. And the second evening we just sat in our room and read for about an hour. No schedule, no pressure, no sense of what we “should” be doing with our time. Ignoring the usual clamor of expectations and just “kicking back” for a cozy hour left me feeling renewed and refreshed. (All the better, my book was one on marriage. Brent had already read it, which gave us more to talk about, and I picked up some insights which made me appreciate him more than ever.)
The simple pleasure of that spontaneous down-time could have occurred at home on any given evening or weekend… but it probably would not have. Not with all the lists and paperwork and chores that seem to impose their expectations on our time. BUT, now that I have experienced that kind of rest and freedom, I am more open to the idea of throwing aside expectations when I have a chance. In fact, I look for opportunities.
Now, to keep from swinging too far the other way and ignoring my legitimate responsibilities… 😉
Today (Thursday) I am linking up with Dayle at Simple Pleasures.
Thanks for reading,
Jan
Jan C Johnson, Writer 
Jan and Brent,
Boy do you two deserve a nice get away like this week-end.
Thanks for sharing your get away with me.
You two are great parents and children too.
I thank God everyday for having you to share our lives with you are a blessing
LOve Mom
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Thanks, Mom! YOU are a blessing to everyone!
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Jan, this is a beautiful post, and perfect for Simple Pleasures. There’s just something about slowing down, especially when we can share that time with a loved one, that refreshes your spirit like nothing else. I’m so glad you linked up today.
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Your weekend away sounds like such a wonderful time! How nice to be able to spend that time with your husband…..what a blessing. And, I know what you mean about just being together and reading. It’s so nice to be able to spend time with your husband, close to each other, not needing to talk, just being near and enjoying some quiet time reading. That is a Simple Pleasure! 🙂
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Having time to recharge is so vital to our happiness! Sounds like you two had a peaceful, joyful time. Best wishes, Tammy
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What a blessing….. time away as a couple! It’s a wonderful simple pleasure, for certain.
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Sounds like a truly heavenly weekend. So glad you and your husband got away for a bit. When money is tight, Craig and I try to have a date night at home, but you are right — at home there are the demands, the cleaning, the kids. Sometimes, you just have to get away.
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Thanks to you all for visiting, and for taking time to comment! I will stop by and see you, as well.
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A good book and a husband to share it with and no schedule or pressure – sounds wonderful!! blessings in Christ..Trish
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Having time to kick back is so important and yet so hard to do. Sounds like you had a wonderful time. I’ve just recently retired and I’m trying to find the perfect place between kicking back and becoming a slug, lol.
Have a blessed day, Annette
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Hi, Annette! I am not exactly retired, but my regular freelance work is VERY part-time, and slughood does call. Often. I could use a bit more structure in my life.
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